St Vincent de Paul Society Sacred Heart Conference Leighton Buzzard
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded in Paris in 1833 by a group of Catholic students (St. Louise de Marillac and Blessed Rosilie Rendu ) who, led by Blessed Frederic Ozanam, aimed to put their faith into action through direct contact and assistance to the poor. Inspired by the work and teachings of St Vincent de Paul, a priest who abandoned the profit of an ecclesiastical career at the Royal Court in favour of working with the marginalised and forgotten poor of France in the 1600s the group placed itself under his patronage. A few years after its foundation, the organisation had grown in numbers and soon spread to other countries. By 1844, the first Conference of Charity had been formed in England and Wales.
The Conference here in Leighton Buzzard was established in 1962 and in July 2012 celebrated 50 years of service in this Parish. The SVP tries to assist all those in need on a person to person basis, regardless of their faith, colour, race or status. The Society respects religious liberty and values all people. It is non-judgemental and does not make value judgements about those asking for assistance. In short, the Society will aim to help anyone in need if it is within the local membership’s capability. An essential precept of the Society’s work is to provide help whilst conscientiously maintaining the confidentiality and dignity of those who are served. We also work with other local and national agencies and charitable organisations for the benefit of all . Our visits encompass a wide range of activities including:-
- Those who live in their own homes or in Residential / Nursing homes
- Those who may feel neglected or unwanted
- Those who are sad
- Those who are handicapped, either physically or financially or both
- Those who are hungry
- Those who are cold or homeless
In addition we provide:-
- Food parcels
- Fuel support
- Pay for urgent maintenance and repair work
- Transport to hospitals, GPs, Dentists, Opticians.
Our Parish Priest, Father John is our Spiritual Director, supported by our Assistant Spiritual Director, Deacon Tony
the National SVP website is :- http://www.svp.org.uk/
